Health and Fitness

EXERCISE!

There is no way around it. Your body was built to move, so if you want to be physically “well”, you’re going to have to get moving. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring or painful.

Start with a goal in mind. Moderate exercise for 45 minutes per day is the amount that has been shown to deliver real health benefits. Decide the best way to get started and how quickly you can progress toward that goal. Once exercise becomes a daily part of your life, you may very well wonder why you ever lived without it. But it won’t happen overnight.

You could start by playing basketball or soccer with the kids, taking a long walk on your favorite scenic route, or dusting off that golden oldies disk and rock out with your favorite dances. It won’t seem like a chore if it’s something you enjoy doing.

If you haven’t exercised in a while start with three 10-minute segments; and it is very important to always start your workout with at least 5 minutes of thorough stretching. Gradually add time or intensity to your activity every week. You’ll not only see results sooner, you’ll avoid burnout and develop a habit you can sustain for life. Click here to determine your fitness level.

Plan your workout time just as you schedule any important event in your life. It will never happen if you try to squeeze it into your day. Always follow your health care professional’s guidance as you increase physical activity. Working towards making sustainable lifestyle changes to your activity levels is important. You do not want to overwhelm yourself with an abundance of physical activity all at once. Start with simple steps toward moving more and sitting less.

Make it a family matter. There’s real strength in numbers when it comes to exercise. Couples who work out together not only have healthier bodies, they also tend to have healthier relationships and better communication.

Not long after starting your journey, it’s easy to look around and feel like you haven’t made much progress, but every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Remember that it may take a while. It’s about progress, not perfection. Don’t focus on the final outcome. Instead, pay attention to the progress you are making day by day. Don’t judge yourself by numbers, but by behaviors. Every day that you make an effort is a day worth celebrating, because you’re one day closer to reaching your goals.